Episodios

  • Chuck's Commentary - Trump’s Coalition Is Starting To Crack + Why America Can’t Quit Saudi Arabia

    Chuck's Commentary - Trump’s Coalition Is Starting To Crack + Why America Can’t Quit Saudi Arabia
    Nov 19 2025

    In this episode, Chuck Todd breaks down an extraordinary week in politics marked by a near-unanimous House vote to release the Epstein files and growing signs that Donald Trump’s decade-long grip on American politics may finally be loosening. He examines the cracks emerging in Trump’s coalition, the administration’s tariff pullbacks amid rising food costs, and the mounting Trump fatigue driving Republicans to quietly distance themselves. Chuck also tackles Trump’s escalating attacks on female reporters, his contradictory dealings with Gulf states, and the likelihood that the DOJ may cite an “open investigation” to keep the Epstein files sealed. Beyond the Trump saga, Chuck dissects the troubling implications of the Olivia Nuzzi scandal, the shameful rhetoric surrounding Epstein’s victims, and the broader damage to journalism. He wraps with a preview of the TN-07 special election, the legal upheaval over Texas’s redistricting maps, and why today’s partisan map fights echo battles not seen since the 1840s.

    Finally, Chuck gives his updated ToddCast Top 5 governor’s seats most likely to flip in 2026 and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

    Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

    Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!

    Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

    Timeline:

    (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

    00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction

    00:30 Near unanimous decision in the house vote to release Epstein files

    01:15 It feels like Trump’s lame duck period has begun, but impossible to know

    02:15 Trump’s coalition is starting to crack

    04:00 Trump’s ten year run of dominating politics is starting to end

    05:00 Administration is pulling back tariffs to lower costs of food

    06:45 Republicans will distance themselves as Trump fatigue sets in

    07:45 Trump’s attacks on female reporters are shameful

    09:15 Trump’s deals with gulf states undermines his America First agenda

    11:00 DOJ might withhold files under guise of “open investigation”

    12:30 Neither Biden or Trump leaned on Saudis over Khashoggi’s murder

    13:30 Middle east monarchies are dictatorships with different titles

    15:00 We’re past the point of holding Saudis accountable for Khashoggi

    16:30 Presidents have to deal with less than ideal allies

    17:30 Trump’s attacks on the press are abhorrent & dictatorlike

    19:00 Olivia Nuzzi sleeping with a source compromises her journalism

    21:15 The Nuzzi scandal feels like watching a car wreck

    22:00 The scandal brings shame upon the journalism world

    23:30 Megyn Kelly trying to differentiate Epstein’s victims is shameful

    25:00 Hiring a reporter that sleeps with sources is beyond the pale

    25:30 Preview of special election in TN-07

    26:45 If TN-07 is within 5 points, it’s a very favorable environment for Dems

    28:00 Texas’s new redistricting maps have been thrown out in court

    28:45 If CA maps stay but TX is thrown out, it’s a karma moment for Trump

    30:45 Last time partisan redistricting happened like this… was the 1840’s

    36:00 Toddcast Top 5 - Governor seats most likely to flip parties

    37:45 Katie Hobbs is the most vulnerable incumbent governor

    39:00 #1 Kansas

    40:30 #2 Michigan

    42:15 #3 Georgia

    44:30 #4 Wisconsin

    45:30 #5 Iowa

    47:30 Honorable mentions

    48:30 Ask Chuck

    49:30 Can we trust the Epstein files will be complete if they’re released?

    51:15 Are you aware of the Montana vs Montana State football rivalry?

    54:15 Has your view on CA redistricting changed after the election result?

    56:30 How can you reach people stuck in the Fox News bubble?

    01:00:30 Does Amy Acton or Tim Ryan have a better shot at winning OH governor?

    01:04:30 Suggestion to make a conspiracy theory documentary

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 h y 10 m
  • Full Episode - Trump’s Coalition Is Starting To Crack + Why Democrats Struggle…And Can Still Win In Iowa

    Full Episode - Trump’s Coalition Is Starting To Crack + Why Democrats Struggle…And Can Still Win In Iowa
    Nov 19 2025
    In this episode, Chuck Todd breaks down an extraordinary week in politics marked by a near-unanimous House vote to release the Epstein files and growing signs that Donald Trump’s decade-long grip on American politics may finally be loosening. He examines the cracks emerging in Trump’s coalition, the administration’s tariff pullbacks amid rising food costs, and the mounting Trump fatigue driving Republicans to quietly distance themselves. Chuck also tackles Trump’s escalating attacks on female reporters, his contradictory dealings with Gulf states, and the likelihood that the DOJ may cite an “open investigation” to keep the Epstein files sealed. Beyond the Trump saga, Chuck dissects the troubling implications of the Olivia Nuzzi scandal, the shameful rhetoric surrounding Epstein’s victims, and the broader damage to journalism. He wraps with a preview of the TN-07 special election, the legal upheaval over Texas’s redistricting maps, and why today’s partisan map fights echo battles not seen since the 1840s. Then, Chuck sits down with Iowa Democratic senate candidate and four-time Paralympian and gold medalist Josh Turek for a deeply personal and politically sharp conversation. Josh shares his remarkable journey—from being born with spina bifida caused by his father’s exposure to Agent Orange, to discovering wheelchair basketball as a pathway to college, to becoming one of the winningest athletes in Paralympic history. He opens up about the emotional challenge of leaving the sport he loved and what ultimately pushed him toward public service. Together, Chuck and Josh explore how the ADA reshaped life for disabled Americans, why adaptive and women’s sports remain undervalued, and how equal access—not guaranteed equal outcomes—remains the core civil rights debate for the disability community. The conversation widens into an unvarnished look at rural politics, Iowa’s sharp rightward turn, and the policies reshaping life in small towns. Josh breaks down why Medicaid denials have exploded, how school choice is quietly devastating rural school districts, and why tariffs—when used chaotically—are crushing family farms. He tackles complex cultural issues such as religion’s decline, the trans sports debate, and why Democrats shouldn’t cede Christianity or populism to the right. They also cover climate messaging, the stakes for U.S. policy in Israel and Ukraine, and whether Congress should step in to regulate collegiate athletics. With insights on Iowa’s political future, the 2026 Democratic opportunity, and even some NBA talk (yes—Jokić and Jordan both make an appearance), Josh Turek offers one of the most candid, wide-ranging conversations you’ll hear about the Midwest, disability rights, and the future of American politics. Finally, Chuck gives his updated ToddCast Top 5 governor’s seats most likely to flip in 2026 and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 00:30 Near unanimous decision in the house vote to release Epstein files 01:15 It feels like Trump’s lame duck period has begun, but impossible to know 02:15 Trump’s coalition is starting to crack 04:00 Trump’s ten year run of dominating politics is starting to end 05:00 Administration is pulling back tariffs to lower costs of food 06:45 Republicans will distance themselves as Trump fatigue sets in 07:45 Trump’s attacks on female reporters are shameful 09:15 Trump’s deals with gulf states undermines his America First agenda 11:00 DOJ might withhold files under guise of “open investigation” 12:30 Neither Biden or Trump leaned on Saudis over Khashoggi’s murder 13:30 Middle east monarchies are dictatorships with different titles 15:00 We’re past the point of holding Saudis accountable for Khashoggi 16:30 Presidents have to deal with less than ideal allies 17:30 Trump’s attacks on the press are abhorrent & dictatorlike 19:00 Olivia Nuzzi sleeping with a source compromises her journalism 21:15 The Nuzzi scandal feels like watching a car wreck 22:00 The scandal brings shame upon the journalism world 23:30 Megyn Kelly trying to differentiate Epstein’s victims is shameful 25:00 Hiring a reporter that sleeps with sources is beyond the pale 25:30 Preview of special election in TN-07 26:45 If TN-07 is within 5 points, it’s a very favorable environment for Dems 28:00 Texas’s new redistricting ...
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    2 h y 18 m
  • Interview Only w/ Josh Turek - Why Democrats Struggle…And Can Still Win In Iowa

    Interview Only w/ Josh Turek - Why Democrats Struggle…And Can Still Win In Iowa
    Nov 19 2025
    Interview Only w/ Josh Turek - Why Democrats Struggle…And Can Still Win In Iowa In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck sits down with Iowa Democratic senate candidate and four-time Paralympian and gold medalist Josh Turek for a deeply personal and politically sharp conversation. Josh shares his remarkable journey—from being born with spina bifida caused by his father’s exposure to Agent Orange, to discovering wheelchair basketball as a pathway to college, to becoming one of the winningest athletes in Paralympic history. He opens up about the emotional challenge of leaving the sport he loved and what ultimately pushed him toward public service. Together, Chuck and Josh explore how the ADA reshaped life for disabled Americans, why adaptive and women’s sports remain undervalued, and how equal access—not guaranteed equal outcomes—remains the core civil rights debate for the disability community. The conversation widens into an unvarnished look at rural politics, Iowa’s sharp rightward turn, and the policies reshaping life in small towns. Josh breaks down why Medicaid denials have exploded, how school choice is quietly devastating rural school districts, and why tariffs—when used chaotically—are crushing family farms. He tackles complex cultural issues such as religion’s decline, the trans sports debate, and why Democrats shouldn’t cede Christianity or populism to the right. They also cover climate messaging, the stakes for U.S. policy in Israel and Ukraine, and whether Congress should step in to regulate collegiate athletics. With insights on Iowa’s political future, the 2026 Democratic opportunity, and even some NBA talk (yes—Jokić and Jordan both make an appearance), Josh Turek offers one of the most candid, wide-ranging conversations you’ll hear about the Midwest, disability rights, and the future of American politics. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Josh Turek joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:30 Josh’s journey as a gold medal winning Paralympian 02:45 Josh’s fathers exposure to agent orange caused his spina bifida 04:30 Wheelchair basketball was his pathway to college 05:45 What do we not value adaptive & female sports in America? 08:00 How hard was it to walk away from basketball? 09:45 What inspired the decision to go into politics? 11:00 There was a 1000% increase in Medicaid denials in Iowa 12:30 The ADA made things better, still a long ways to go 13:45 The ADA gave disabled Americans an onramp to society 16:30 The debate over equal access vs. equal outcome 17:15 Who is the Turek/Trump voter? 19:45 The difficulty of breaking through as a Democrat in rural America 21:45 Iowa has shifted rightward, but could shift back to swing state status 25:00 The right candidate with the right message can win red Iowa counties 27:15 School choice sounds great, but is a huge problem for rural America 28:45 Rural schools are struggling and closing under school choice policies 30:15 There are no standards for private schools spending tax dollars 33:00 Not all tariffs are bad, but Trump’s tariff regime is chaotic 34:00 Tariffs are crushing family farms 35:00 What’s the plan to keep people in Iowa and reverse brain drain? 37:45 How has the decline in religious participation affected Iowa? 39:00 Pushing back against the narrative that Democrats can’t be Christian 39:30 What’s fair to the trans community when it comes to organized sports? 40:45 Politicians shouldn’t be involved in the trans sports conversation 41:30 Why have many Democrats turned to socialism over capitalism? 42:30 We need regulated capitalism and a progressive tax structure 43:15 We are living in a country of have’s and have nots 44:45 Addressing climate change without scaring voters about the economy 46:15 What’s your position on Israel? 47:15 The U.S. should stand in solidarity with Ukraine & aid them 48:15 Does Congress need to get involved in regulating collegiate sports? 51:30 We need more genuine populists in congress to push back against oligarchs 53:15 Nikola Jokic is Josh’s favorite basketball player to watch 54:45 Michael Jordan is the GOAT 55:45 Historic opportunity for Democrats in Iowa in ‘26 57:00 Democrats focused too much on identity in Iowa 59:30 Public schools will be a huge issue for Iowa voters 01:01:15 If Democrats can’t win Iowa in this environment, it could take a generation 01:05:30 There are three great candidates for the Iowa Democratic senate seat 01:...
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    1 h y 10 m
  • Introducing Kamala: Next in Line

    Introducing Kamala: Next in Line
    Oct 5 2020

    As a bonus for Chuck ToddCast listeners, we’re sharing a special preview of Kamala: Next in Line, a six-part podcast from MSNBC and Wondery that goes inside the cross-cultural journey that led Senator Kamala Harris from her humble roots to become the first African-American woman to be the Vice Presidential nominee for a major party. From Oakland to Howard University, and California to Washington DC, experience her story as it has never been told before. Hosted by MSNBC's Joy Reid, the show features exclusive interviews with those who know her best, painting a picture of a woman who has fought her way to the top at every turn. Listen to the first episode, and subscribe to the series now: https://link.chtbl.com/description-kamala
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    6 m
  • Chuck’s Commentary - Donald Trump Is Rattled By The Epstein Files + How The U.S. Government Fed Conspiratorial Thinking

    Chuck’s Commentary - Donald Trump Is Rattled By The Epstein Files + How The U.S. Government Fed Conspiratorial Thinking
    Nov 17 2025

    On today’s episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck breaks down how Donald Trump is being consumed by the growing Epstein feeding frenzy — from his inexplicable softness toward Ghislaine Maxwell to signs he may be genuinely afraid of what she knows. As Trump lashes out at Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene with the same fury he once reserved for impeachment-backers, his grip on the GOP shows early signs of slipping, even as the DOJ considers whether reopening the Epstein investigation could delay the release of sensitive files. With the economy struggling, tariffs quietly being dropped, and ACA subsidies suddenly in play, Trump’s visible panic comes at a politically vulnerable moment. Chuck also recaps conversations from the Texas Tribune Festival, where potential Democratic contenders like Wes Moore and Tim Walz signaled a return to mainstream, service-rooted politics — and where Moore’s centrist lane and military background set him apart as 2028 speculation slowly heats up.

    Finally, Chuck hops in the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit several pivotal moments in the history of American conspiracy theories that all fell on the same calendar week, plus he recaps the weekend in college football!

    Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

    Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!

    Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

    Timeline:

    (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

    00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction

    00:45 Trump is being consumed by the Epstein feeding frenzy

    02:15 Trump’s leniency towards Ghislaine Maxwell is perplexing

    03:00 Trump seems to fear Maxwell…but why?

    04:15 There’s something Maxwell knows about Trump that scares him

    05:45 Trump goes to war with Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor-Greene

    07:00 He’s as mad at Massie and Greene as he was with R’s who voted to impeach

    08:45 DOJ can avoid releasing the Epstein files by reopening investigation

    10:15 Trump is rattled at a time when the economy is struggling

    11:45 Administration dropping tariffs, know they’ve raised costs

    12:15 It looks like ACA subsidies will actually have a chance to pass

    13:45 Offering cash payouts to pay for premiums is a strange solution

    15:15 Trump is letting America “see him sweat” over Epstein

    17:00 Trump’s influence over the GOP is starting to wane

    17:30 If Massie wins his primary, it will be a major rebuke of Trump

    18:15 Trump only punishes Republicans who don’t go along with his lies

    20:00 We are witnessing the lame duck period beginning for Trump

    21:00 Chuck’s experience at Texas Tribune fest, multiple Dem ‘28 hopefuls

    21:45 Wes Moore fully embraced the centrist lane during interview with Chuck

    23:00 Wes Moore didn’t join the military to “check a political box”

    24:45 Tim Walz & Wes Moore agree Trump’s penchant for action is a strong trait

    28:00 Wes Moore will run more as a mainstream Dem, not a progressive

    32:30 ToddCast Time Machine

    33:00 Jonestown, JFK assassination, gap in Nixon tapes same calendar week

    34:15 Jonestown shows a closed information system can destroy judgement

    35:15 Jonestown shows the consequences of conspiratorial thinking

    36:00 JFK conspiracy shows what happens when gov’t can’t convince public

    37:00 JFK’s death caused boomers to mistrust the government

    38:00 Nixon tape gap reinforced public’s mistrust in government

    39:30 The public never received justice for Watergate

    40:30 Americans now process events through lens of government coverup

    42:45 Public is correct to believe they aren’t getting the entire story

    44:45 College football recap

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 h y 2 m
  • Wondery presents Bunga Bunga

    Wondery presents Bunga Bunga
    Sep 8 2020

    Silvio Berlusconi was a charismatic multi-millionaire real-estate mogul who upended the Italian political order and hypnotized an entire nation. He was the longest-serving prime minister of one of the world’s wealthiest countries, until he was brought down by three powerful women - and two words: “Bunga Bunga.” From Wondery, the makers of Dirty John and The Shrink Next Door, and hosted by comedian Whitney Cummings, “Bunga Bunga” is an eight part series on the incredible true story of the rise and fall of Silvio Berlusconi, told with Whitney’s signature wit and style. 

    Subscribe today: Wondery.fm/BungaBunga_NBCTC
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    6 m
  • Full Episode - Donald Trump Is Rattled By The Epstein Files + Bashar al-Assad, Broken Borders & Baseball

    Full Episode - Donald Trump Is Rattled By The Epstein Files + Bashar al-Assad, Broken Borders & Baseball
    Nov 17 2025
    On today’s Chuck ToddCast, Chuck breaks down how Donald Trump is being consumed by the growing Epstein feeding frenzy — from his inexplicable softness toward Ghislaine Maxwell to signs he may be genuinely afraid of what she knows. As Trump lashes out at Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene with the same fury he once reserved for impeachment-backers, his grip on the GOP shows early signs of slipping, even as the DOJ considers whether reopening the Epstein investigation could delay the release of sensitive files. With the economy struggling, tariffs quietly being dropped, and ACA subsidies suddenly in play, Trump’s visible panic comes at a politically vulnerable moment. Chuck also recaps conversations from the Texas Tribune Festival, where potential Democratic contenders like Wes Moore and Tim Walz signaled a return to mainstream, service-rooted politics — and where Moore’s centrist lane and military background set him apart as 2028 speculation slowly heats up. Then, historian and author David Lesch joins Chuck to discuss the new book Dodgers to Damascus — an unexpected blend of Middle Eastern politics and baseball. Lesch traces his path from aspiring major-leaguer to one of America’s foremost scholars on Syria, explaining how the fall of the Ottoman Empire, artificial borders drawn by European powers, and a lack of cohesive national identity still shape the region today. He offers candid reflections on his relationship with Bashar al-Assad, why Syria is likely drifting toward a sectarian majoritarian state, and whether any country in the Middle East is truly positioned to attempt democracy. From Iran’s teetering leadership to the Saudis’ complicated partnership with the West, Lesch unpacks the geopolitical moment with clarity and experience. Chuck and David also dive into the surprising ways baseball helped him understand the Middle East — and vice versa. Lesch reflects on the physical toll of pitching, the Braves’ legendary rotation, and why modern sports medicine might have saved his career. The conversation even explores whether the Middle East could ever embrace baseball, the role of Islamophobia in shaping perceptions, and why travel remains one of the strongest antidotes to fear. Ultimately, Dodgers to Damascus is less a sports memoir and more a sweeping look at a region still wrestling with the consequences of history — and this episode brings that complexity to life. Finally, Chuck hops in the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit several pivotal moments in the history of American conspiracy theories that all fell on the same calendar week, plus he recaps the weekend in college football! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:00 Trump is being consumed by the Epstein feeding frenzy 04:30 Trump’s leniency towards Ghislaine Maxwell is perplexing 05:15 Trump seems to fear Maxwell…but why? 06:30 There’s something Maxwell knows about Trump that scares him 08:00 Trump goes to war with Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor-Greene 09:15 He’s as mad at Massie and Greene as he was with R’s who voted to impeach 11:00 DOJ can avoid releasing the Epstein files by reopening investigation 12:30 Trump is rattled at a time when the economy is struggling 14:00 Administration dropping tariffs, know they’ve raised costs 14:30 It looks like ACA subsidies will actually have a chance to pass 16:00 Offering cash payouts to pay for premiums is a strange solution 17:30 Trump is letting America “see him sweat” over Epstein 19:15 Trump’s influence over the GOP is starting to wane 19:45 If Massie wins his primary, it will be a major rebuke of Trump 20:30 Trump only punishes Republicans who don’t go along with his lies 22:15 We are witnessing the lame duck period beginning for Trump 23:15 Chuck’s experience at Texas Tribune fest, multiple Dem ‘28 hopefuls 24:00 Wes Moore fully embraced the centrist lane during interview with Chuck 25:15 Wes Moore didn’t join the military to “check a political box” 27:00 Tim Walz & Wes Moore agree Trump’s penchant for action is a strong trait 30:15 Wes Moore will run more as a mainstream Dem, not a progressive 35:00 David Lesch joins the Chuck ToddCast 36:00 Origin of “Dodgers to Damascus” 37:00 It’s weird reading about someone else’s writing about yourself 39:30 What drew David to the Middle East 41:15 Most people don’t understand the Middle East pre 1948 42:00 Fall of Ottoman Empire isn...
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    2 h y 3 m
  • Interview Only w/ David Lesch - Bashar al-Assad, Broken Borders & Baseball

    Interview Only w/ David Lesch - Bashar al-Assad, Broken Borders & Baseball
    Nov 17 2025

    In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, historian and author David Lesch joins Chuck to discuss the new book Dodgers to Damascus — an unexpected blend of Middle Eastern politics and baseball. Lesch traces his path from aspiring major-leaguer to one of America’s foremost scholars on Syria, explaining how the fall of the Ottoman Empire, artificial borders drawn by European powers, and a lack of cohesive national identity still shape the region today. He offers candid reflections on his relationship with Bashar al-Assad, why Syria is likely drifting toward a sectarian majoritarian state, and whether any country in the Middle East is truly positioned to attempt democracy. From Iran’s teetering leadership to the Saudis’ complicated partnership with the West, Lesch unpacks the geopolitical moment with clarity and experience.

    Chuck and David also dive into the surprising ways baseball helped him understand the Middle East — and vice versa. Lesch reflects on the physical toll of pitching, the Braves’ legendary rotation, and why modern sports medicine might have saved his career. The conversation even explores whether the Middle East could ever embrace baseball, the role of Islamophobia in shaping perceptions, and why travel remains one of the strongest antidotes to fear. Ultimately, Dodgers to Damascus is less a sports memoir and more a sweeping look at a region still wrestling with the consequences of history — and this episode brings that complexity to life.

    Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order.

    Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!

    Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

    Timeline:

    (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

    00:00 David Lesch joins the Chuck ToddCast

    01:00 Origin of “Dodgers to Damascus”

    02:00 It’s weird reading about someone else’s writing about yourself

    04:30 What drew David to the Middle East

    06:15 Most people don’t understand the Middle East pre 1948

    07:00 Fall of Ottoman Empire isn’t covered well in public education

    09:00 Artificial divisions in Middle East were to benefit Europe

    10:45 Countries in the Middle East lack a national identity

    11:30 Davd’s relationship with Bashar Al-Assad

    12:30 Assad was raised as an authoritarian and child of conflict

    14:30 Any faith in the new leader of Syria to bring about positive change?

    16:45 Syria has been helping with counter terrorist operations

    18:00 Syria likely on the way to being a sectarian majoritarian state

    21:00 Which Middle East country has the best shot at trying democracy?

    22:00 Iran’s weakness makes Kurdistan more possible

    23:00 Iranian ayatollahs won’t be able hold power when Khamenei dies

    24:00 Iran’s government is teetering, and their proxies are weak

    25:30 Iran would be an economic power if they became a western democracy

    26:15 Israel is at the apex of military power in the region

    29:30 The academic case for the Saudis being a partner

    30:45 Can the Saudis and Iranians co-exist if Iran moderates?

    32:00 How did baseball give you extra perspective on the middle east

    34:00 Would modern sports medicine have saved your career?

    36:00 The motion for pitching is not meant for human anatomy

    37:30 Throwing sidearm is much less damaging for your arm

    39:30 The Braves legendary pitching lineup

    41:00 David wishes he had at least one year in the majors

    42:15 Nolan Ryan’s missing flexor tendon was his superpower

    44:30 Teams run the risk of ending pitchers careers early to win a title

    46:15 Why is Ohtani so unusual, why haven’t pitchers been able to hit?

    48:15 Could you see people in the Middle East getting into baseball?

    51:15 Middle East would need a star from that region to rise in MLB

    52:00 Islamophobia exists on both sides of the isle

    52:30 Travel helps to cure phobias

    53:45 Islamophobia is a harder barrier to break than people realize

    57:15 Dodgers to Damascus is more of a middle east book than baseball

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 h y 2 m